A teacher by profession, but is now in his 38th year as a football writer. Has written for "Soccer Action" (Melbourne), "Australian Soccer Weekly" (Sydney) and "World Soccer" (London), as well as for several Tasmanian newspapers. Currently contributing to "Goal!Weekly" in Melbourne and the Australian magazine "Soccer International". Played for Croatia-Glenorchy, Caledonians, Metro, Rapid and University in Tasmania, as well as in the United States of America. Coached University, Metro and Croatia-Glenorchy.

Comments

I wonder why people who aren't involved in the coaching courses are speculating on the (apparent lack of) learning at the c license. I've so far found it very interesting and helpful. Granted, I'm a beginner, but watching the other participants, It's clear that even the most experienced of them are learning as well.

Personally I could not have found David Smith or Neil Connell any more helpful. Their local knowledge and enthusiasm to assist me as a coach saw them attend my clubs evening training sessions.

I haven't seen a FFT rep up the north west in years!

Given the nature of our league, which is made up of players who pay for the privilege to participate at the highest level (bar a few players who might get the odd hundred here or there) I would prefer Reynolds and Edwards at our clubs during the season when a coach is really challenged.

I am the FTT Development Officer in the North/Nth West and I go to Senior and Junior matches every weekend, all day and every day. I have offered my services to every club in the region and have worked with and been welcomed by some clubs and conducted training sessions with Senior t and Junior teams. I have instructed and qualified 34 Senior licenced coaches in the last year,plus 15 youth licences. I have also held numerous courses at Junior and grassroots. I offer my services to schools right across the N/West and have visited many. In addition I have assisted with very large inter school carnivals. Should you require me to visit your club, have your committee contact me through the FFT office. Furthermore FFT staff from Hobart have also attended N & NW clubs, talked to committee members and offered any assistance. Thanks

Looking to 2015 all Coaches will need a B,Licence at a Cost of $4800 Dollars,Most Coaches would not even be paid this amount.

Coaches are doing there bit but Most Clubs are still in the dark ages,The question is are Clubs willing to Step up ,Because at that cost you will only have a handfull of Coaches to choose from.

Some of you are amazing...of COURSE we need coaching courses at ALL levels. As someone who is quick to throw things at FFT I applaud the fact that this course is up and running. All of the people at the course will learn something to improve themselves...hopefully they will learn lots. The point made above however is extremely important. The fact is that the clubs are falling behind. So where is the FFT training course for the administrators of the game to help develop marketing and corporate skills?

"More local coaches need to use the FFT coaching staff as a valuable tool to improve coaching practices in this state."Wonder why North and NW clubs struggle for coaches?, no courses, youth course organised for august was cancelled on the friday night, nothing since then.NW clubs in particular have rotated and regurgitated all the local guys until they have lost interest, come on FFT we pay the same as everyone else to play.

Better coaches = better football, issue is that you should not be just gaining a certificate. You need to continually gain knowledge and study for any career. The course is an avenue for this.FFA should be doing more of this but their main funding should also be channelled here. Make these courses realistically accessible to all who need them.

Standby people:: for those bitching and moaning would you like FFT to put on a course called " Get a life" just amazes me that no matter how football people try and improve the game you just have nothing good to say..

Personally I could not have found David Smith or Neil Connell any more helpful. Their local knowledge and enthusiasm to assist me as a coach saw them attend my clubs evening training sessions.

I haven't seen a FFT rep up the north west in years!

Given the nature of our league, which is made up of players who pay for the privilege to participate at the highest level (bar a few players who might get the odd hundred here or there) I would prefer Reynolds and Edwards at our clubs during the season when a coach is really challenged.